Denying potential tenants (NYC)

[Anthony Espinal]

Hi, 

I’m new to “legit” landlording and I’ve been reading through The managing rentals book. I do have a question that doesn’t seem too clear to me in the book. Does every potential tenant go through the full application process or can you deny them just based on the prescreening? I think at one point I read that you allow everyone to apply and deny based on the application. But that could get pricey if I have to pay for the background/credit checks. In NYC you’re only allowed to collect $20, not enough to cover the standard $35 fee.